Ramrod modification

[Matthew Semple]

Attached are two images of a ramrod that came with a original 1863 Springfield that I acquired several months ago. The ramrod was modified in a way that I have not seen before in other original examples.

The tip of the threaded end was shaved down to a point and a grove was shaved into it. It resembles a crude ball puller. About three threads remain and the period attachments that I have in my collection can screw on and stay attached.

I have the following questions:

1. Do you think that this is a wartime modification? If not, why would this have been done in the postwar period?
2. Has anyone seen a similar modification? (If possible, can you post pictures as a comparison?)

All responses greatly appreciated.

[Fenianboy]

Re: Ramrod modification

Matt,I've never seen this before.Just a thought though.N-SSA shooters either lay their rods over their bayonets which are in the ground in front of them or if thr ground is soft enough I've seen people just push the rod in the ground.Could this piece have an N-SSA past or is it an attic find? Bud Scully 13th NJ Co K Mess and 69th NY N-SSA

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Ramrod modification

Thanks for your input. I had not considered the N-SSA aspect. I doubt that this was the case. Here is the history that accompanied the Springfield when I purchased it:

The Springfield was an attic find and remained in the same family as a reenacting weapon for about 10 years. Around 2003 it was sold to the dealer and has remained on the shelf since. I purchased it from the dealer who stated that it had not been modified in his care or by the original family. The ramrod had (at least) accompanied the Springfield since its discovery.

The reason that I believe it to be a wartime or an immediate post-war modification is because the piting and patina on the point of the ramrod is the same as that on the rest of the ramrod. It had been cleaned at some point in its history; however, the pitting on the shaved point indicates that this was done well after the piting had occurred.

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Ramrod modification

Reattaching pictures of modified ramrod that were lost from original post.

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: Ramrod modification

Hallo!

As a former collector and researcher, IMHO...

"1. Do you think that this is a wartime modification? If not, why would this have been done in the postwar period?"

We have only conjecture to go on here. IMHO, aside from soldiers not suposed to be able to monkey with their weapons.. ;) there is no real motivation, motive, or access for a solider to do so as his issued tools are adequate for what needs to be done.
As compared and contrasted with post War surplus and civilian use between the time the gun left military service and the family acquired it for reenacting.
Plus, a farmer buying the gun from Sears' catalog surplus in 1895 and not having a Springfield ball screw could have just as easily made such a modification.

Patina on mild steel is not always a great indicator of great age. Some of my stuff from the 1970's... well... ;)

"2. Has anyone seen a similar modification? (If possible, can you post pictures as a comparison?)'

No...

Once again though, we can have only conjecture and supposition in the absence of facts and documentation.

And others' mileage will vary...

Curt

[Matthew Semple]

Re: Ramrod modification

Mr. Schmidt,

As always, thank you for your insight on the matter.

Very respectfully,

Matthew Semple

[Jimmayo]

Re: Ramrod modification

Here is an Enfield ramrod which has been messed with. I don't believe any soldier did this in the field.